The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! After eagerly anticipating what Echlinville had in store for us, and basking in the excitement of the grand launch (which I’m still dining out on), it’s time to dive into the heart of the matter—the actual review of the whiskies. Launch events are thrilling, filled with energy and buzz that can sweep you off your feet. But now, with the dust settled and the excitement tempered, it’s time to take a calm, considered look at the whiskies themselves. What is the true character of these spirits when savoured without the fanfare, in a moment of quiet contemplation?

This is a truly historic moment for Irish whiskey—make no mistake about it. Echlinville’s whiskies are a testament to tradition and craftsmanship; just look at Dunville’s. Their own liquid, however, is distilled exclusively from barley that was grown, harvested, and floor-malted on their very own distillery farm. Every single step of the process, from grain to glass, is meticulously completed on-site at this family-run distillery. For me personally, witnessing this evolution is incredibly fulfilling. Having followed Echlinville since their inception, through their journey with Dunville’s, it almost feels like a proud dad moment. It’s a brilliant sight to see their hard work and dedication come to fruition.

When I first arrived at the estate nearly nine years ago, the passion and professionalism of Echlinville were immediately apparent. Returning last month for the launch, it was clear that these qualities remain unchanged. Situated on Gransha Road, which fittingly means ‘granary’ or ‘grain house,’ Echlinville’s vision is to create a whiskey that embodies a true sense of place, which has certainly endured over the last decade.

Echlinville’s raison d’etre is to reconnect with the land, weaving together the ties that have been frayed by time and industrialisation. They aim to produce a whiskey with provenance ingrained from ground to glass, and ‘excellence’ in every drop. The presentation alone is a testament to this commitment. Visiting the distillery, you can see first-hand how deeply this provenance is embedded in every aspect of their operation. Although I didn’t tour the distillery during my return to Echlinville last month, simply stepping into the still house was enough to evoke a flood of wonderful memories from my previous visit. There’s an undeniable sense that this place is something special. The sight of the beautiful copper pot still at the heart of the building is mesmerising—it shines brilliantly, much like the promising future of Echlinville.

For me, this whiskey should be all about the fundamentals—the simple things done exceptionally well—that are imperative for an inaugural whiskey release. Echlinville has made a significant effort to ensure that each stage of its process is both succinct and profound. They’ve made ‘The Beginning’ about rediscovering and reconnecting with the farm, the floor malting, the distilling, and the dunnage. Each of these stages is meticulously and expertly considered to produce what they believe is the highest quality spirit. Echlinville, thus, maintains ultimate control over every step of their whiskey’s journey, from the field to the glass.

‘The Beginning’ itself features two, double-distilled whiskies. There is a Single Malt and a Single Pot Still. The Single Malt has been aged in Bourbon and virgin American oak casks for 7 years, with no indication for how long. The Single Pot Still has been aged exclusively in bourbon casks for the same amount of time. Echlinville has made a point of their single malt showcasing their distillate and its origins, the single pot still showcasing the distilleries character, certainly something to look out for in the review.

Echlinville’s ‘The Beginning’ Single Malt

Bourbon cask and Virgin American Oak matured, double-distilled 7-year-old

ABV: 50%

Price: £350 but sold out everywhere! (500ml bottle alongside the Single Malt)

Nose: Initially there’s a salty, almost Ard’s Peninsula briny note that comes out. It’s fresh and zesty, with lemon peel and lime. There’s a lovely sweetness that runs through it too, exemplifying the charred honey and honeycomb.

Palate: Quite subdued, although, there’s a lovely mouthfeel to it, buttery and wholesome. A little aniseed to start which develops to a sweeter cinnamon note. Still fruity and sweet, with honey nut hoops and lemon menthol. Spicy orange marmalade as well with a kick of cloves.

Finish: A soft gingerbread with some peppermint too. Fiery.

Score: 7.5/10

Echlinville’s ‘The Beginning’ Single Pot Still

Bourbon cask double-distilled 7-year-old

ABV: 50%

Price: £350 but sold out everywhere! (500ml bottle alongside the Single Malt)

Nose: This seems livelier than the single malt. Still, the lemon notes come through, with some cinnamon sugar and cocoa nibs, quite complex. Sweet, spicy apple juice. There’s an initial hit of spice, cinnamon lozenges, and some peppery pine. Some earthiness too, fresh-cut grass, and wet earth.

Palate: That’s certainly a pot still! Lots of herbal and spice come to play and it’s balanced fantastically. There’s the usual cinnamon and clove, but it’s joined with aniseed and red peppercorns too, creating a lovely mouthfeel and texture. There’s sweetness too with spicy Madagascan custard, juicy clementines, grapefruit, and some lemon zest creating an incredible depth.

Finish: Spearmint, a little subdued, but there’s more pepper, creating a subtle heat.

Score: 8.5/10

Conclusion

There we have it—this release is, in my opinion, an absolute success. For me, the Single Pot Still truly stood out. It has a remarkable depth and balance, embodying the essence of a quintessential Irish whiskey. The Single Malt is also wonderful and a testament to Echlinville’s craftsmanship, but when compared to the Pot Still, it falls slightly short in my eyes.

Echlinville made a point of highlighting the Single Malt’s distillate and its origins. It certainly stands out, with a slightly salty note that seems to reflect its maturation in the unique atmosphere of the Ards’ Peninsula. This characteristic speaks volumes about its origin. I also noticed a distinct DNA similar to the Two Stacks Three Pillars release—sweet, fruity, and spicy. The Single Pot Still showcases this character in spades. As I’ve mentioned before, its complexity is divine, with an impressive range of flavours. However, what’s truly remarkable is the balance amidst such variety; it’s a testament to expert craftsmanship.

I can’t sing the praises of these whiskies without diving into their presentation. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more outstanding and aesthetically pleasing display. It rivals the luxury of the Irish Whiskey Company (and thankfully, much, much better in terms of the whiskey…and pricing) and makes Midleton look cheap and tacky. The bottles are beautifully presented, with see-through labelling and the Echlinville coat of arms exuding a sense of prestige. Mark Thompson has done an absolutely wondrous job here, although I’d expect nothing less from him. The box the whiskey comes in is nothing short of stunning, reminiscent of something you’d find in a Harrods department store. Inside, the details are meticulous: the information, the glossy graphics—it’s all just incredible. It’s not just a container; it’s a showpiece and a masterpiece.

I get it, the price is steep. However, break it down. You get two bottles of 7-year-old whiskey (albeit 500ml) which should be around £70 normally, so £140. The presentation alone must cost at least £100, so thats £240, meaning there’s a £120 hole somewhere. But, this is an inaugural release, so you can at least double the price of the bottle (sometimes happens, but not always). So actually, in terms of pricing, yes it’s expensive, but it’s probably spot on and with the going rate.

I’m genuinely delighted for Echlinville. Their patience in waiting for the perfect moment to bottle their whiskey has paid off beautifully. There’s a profound connection between the land, the brand, the people, and the whiskey itself. Echlinville is a distillery that has weathered both heartbreak and triumph, and its accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. The name ‘The Beginning’ is fitting—it signifies a promising start for Echlinville. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their journey, whatever form it may take, with bated breath. This is just the start of something truly special.